Meghan Markle and Malala Yousafzai Collaborate for International Day of the Girl
The Duchess of Sussex announced her lifestyle brand As Ever will donate net proceeds from jam and tea sales to the Malala Fund, following a meeting at Claridge's.
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai have announced a collaboration to support girls' education, coinciding with International Day of the Girl. The partnership was revealed following a recent meeting between the two women at Claridge's hotel in London.
As part of the initiative, Meghan's lifestyle brand, As Ever, will donate 100% of the net proceeds from its jam and tea sales made on Sunday to the Malala Fund. The announcement was made via a joint statement on Instagram, accompanied by photos of Meghan and Malala sharing afternoon tea.
Their statement read: "When we support the girls of today, we empower the women of tomorrow. Access to education is the key to unlocking this." It further detailed that proceeds would support the Malala Fund's work in ensuring every girl has access to free, safe, and quality education.
This collaboration marks a continuation of their previous engagement. Meghan and Malala first joined forces in October 2020 for a virtual discussion on International Day of the Girl, focusing on the importance of education for young women. During that conversation, Meghan emphasized that when girls have access to education, "everyone wins, and everyone succeeds," and highlighted how women's voices shift conversations around policy and legislation.
The Malala Fund, established in 2013, advocates for 12 years of free, safe, and quality education for girls globally, particularly in regions facing significant educational barriers. These regions include Afghanistan, Brazil, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Tanzania.
The meeting at Claridge's is understood to be Meghan's first public appearance in London since Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in September 2022. She was reportedly seen wearing a Tove Studio coat, a cashmere sweater by CO, Ralph Lauren trousers, and accessories from Chanel, Saint Laurent, and Logan Hollowell, with her outfit totaling over £28,000. She also carried a canvas tote bag featuring a design of women wearing hijabs.
Meghan and Malala dined in Claridge's Foyer and Reading Room, a setting known for its Art Deco interiors and live piano music. The women were observed by fellow diners, who discreetly took photographs, and were accompanied by security personnel. Police vehicles were also seen outside the hotel.
Malala, who hails from Pakistan and was shot by the Taliban in 2012 for her advocacy for female education, went on to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 and attend Oxford University. This latest outing suggests Meghan's continued focus on philanthropic endeavors, particularly in the area of girls' education, following recent launches from her As Ever brand.